Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

From lifestyle stores to pop-ups, it’s no secret that Hongkongers can’t get enough of anything Japan-related. And when it comes to food, our city’s foodies squeal with excitement when a Japan-exclusive restaurant or chain store opens a location in Hong Kong. Adding to the list is Truffle Donut – a Japan-wide shop known for its irresistibly fluffy nama doughnuts. The Japanese chain is set to open its first Hong Kong location at Harbour City in early August. So what makes these doughnuts special? In addition to using a unique fermentation process and controlling the dough’s moisture, the Japanese bakery adds pumpkin into the mix, giving the dough its yellow hue, lending a natural sweetness, and helping create a light, bouncy texture. Truffle Donut will bring seven of its classic doughnuts – such as its signature fresh truffle, cream-filled, strawberry, and chocolate – and launch three Hong Kong-exclusive flavours you won’t want to miss: mango pomelo sago, Musang King durian, and pistachio. Visit Truffle Donut at Shop OT G03A, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3–27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui when it officially opens in August.Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Bar Leone wins third best bar in Asia, with Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame taking the crown Japanese lifestyle giant Loft to make Hong Kong comeback after 15 years Chiu Tang and Kinsman team up for an exclusive two-night dining experience

Asia’s 50 Best Bars has just wrapped up its 2026 edition on July 28, having returned to Wynn Palace in Macau for the second time in a row. Hong Kong has unfortunately lost our crown as the best bar in Asia, but Bar Leone has come in at a very respectable rank No. 3! Seven of our city’s top bars have also made it onto this annual prestigious list, so aside from Bar Leone, we are also represented by Gokan at No. 22, Coa at No. 24, Mius at No. 36, Argo at No. 37, Montana at No. 47, and Penicillin at No. 49. Notably, Hong Kong was also further honoured by Shelly Tai, founder of Mius, taking home the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award. This is the only peer-judged accolade within the Asia’s 50 Best Bars programme, which means that Tai has earned significant recognition from fellow professionals in the bar industry who know their craft best.  Photograph: Courtesy Asia’s 50 Best BarsLorenzo Antinori In addition to the prestigious rankings, Asia’s 50 Best Bars also has a range of special awards, and Hong Kong also has a part in these accolades: in particular, our Cantonese spirits-based bar Kinsman has won the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu award for creating a top-notch cocktail programme that is unique and highlights its cultural origins. Other special awards include Hats Bar from Jakarta winning the Campari One to Watch award; Smoke & Bitters from Sri Lanka winning the Michter’s Art of Hospitality award; Hanoi’s Workshop14 winning the Three Cents Best New Opening award; and Bangkok’s Bar Us taking home the Ketel One Sustainable Bar award. Photograph: Courtesy Hope & SesameHope & Sesame As for the best bar in Asia for 2026? The honour goes to Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame, founded by Hongkonger Andrew Ho. Zest in Seoul takes second spot, followed by Bangkok’s Dry Wave Cocktail Studio and MO Bar Shenzhen rounding out the top five. Every year, the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list is curated by over 300 industry experts including esteemed consultants, influential writers, and talented bartenders from across the region. The awards ceremony may be over for another year, but you can still be a part of the buzz by attending one of the various bar guest shifts happening in Hong Kong and Macau until as late as July 30.  See the complete list for Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2026: Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou Zest, Seoul (Best Bar in Korea) Bar Leone, Hong Kong (Best Bar in Hong Kong) Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok (Best Bar in Thailand) MO Bar Shenzhen, Shenzhen Bar Us, Bangkok (Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award) Lennon’s (Disaronno Highest New Entry Award; New entry)  Boilermaker, Goa (Best Bar in India) Jigger & Pony, Singapore (Best Bar in Singapore) Obsidian Bar, Shenzhen (New entry) Modernhaus (Best Bar in Indonesia) Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore Alice, Seoul Vender, Taichung (Best Bar in Taiwan) Cosmo Pony, Jakarta Offtrack, Singapore Bar Sathorn, Bangkok (Nikka Highest Climber Award) Soka, Bengaluru Pony Up, Shanghai (New entry) BKK Social Club, Bangkok Carrots Bar, Jakarta Gokan, Hong Kong Punch Room Tokyo (Best Bar in Japan) Coa, Hong Kong (Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award) Opium, Bangkok Virtù, Tokyo CMYK, Changsha Ralph’s Bar, Chengdu (New entry) Smoke & Bitters, Hiriketiya (Best Bar in Sri Lanka; Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award) Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru  G.O.D, Bangkok Three x Co, Kuala Lumpur (Best Bar in Malaysia) Bar Cham, Seoul Workshop14, Hanoi (Best Bar in Vietnam; Three Cents Best New Opening Award; New entry) To Infinity & Beyond, Taipei Mius, Hong Kong (Sevenrooms Best Bar Design Award; New entry) Argo, Hong Kong Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur Bar Libre, Tokyo The Golden Tooth, Jakarta (New entry) The Han-Jia, Tainan (New entry) M+MS Bar, Seoul (New entry) Origin Bar, Singapore Problem Child, Makati (Best in the Philippines; New entry) The St. Regis Bar, Macau (Best in Macau) The Hudson Rooms, Hanoi (New entry) Montana, Hong Kong (New entry) Aqua Bar, Bangkok (New entry) Penicillin, Hong Kong Tiao, Beijing (New entry) To dive further into Asia’s fantastic bar scene, check out the extended list of 51-100 rankings as well. Happy drinking! Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Chiu Tang and Kinsman team up for an exclusive two-night dining experience Bar Leone and Argo win best international bar categories at 2026 Spirited Awards Shanghai’s House of Linglong is taking over Eaton HK for a two-night drag showcase

Chiu Chow restaurant Chiu Tang is joining forces with Central cocktail bar Kinsman for an exclusive two-night dining collaboration this August. As part of Lai Sun Dining’s ongoing ‘Let’s Dine’ series, this special event merges the artistry and heritage of Chiu Chow cuisine with contemporary Cantonese mixology – a union that, frankly, requires very little convincing on our part. Titled ‘In the Mood for Flavours’, the event will take place at Chiu Tang’s venue at The Galleria on August 12 and 13. Executive chef Cheung Lam-por, who brings over 30 years of experience in Chiu Chow cuisine, has put his head together with Kinsman’s co-founder Gavin Yeung to design a collaborative eight-course menu featuring two cocktail pairings crafted with local spirits and botanical ingredients. There’ll also be an exclusive dish and a signature drink on the menu, available specifically for the two nights only. Chanelling the nostalgia of a bygone era, the experience will treat diners to a mid-century cinematic atmosphere complete with retro Cantonese tunes playing in the background. Guests are also more than welcome to embrace the theme by turning up in traditional Qipao or Tang suits. Dinner reservations for both evenings are now open online via sevenrooms.com, priced at $1,080 per person with a minimum booking requirement of two guests. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Bar Leone and Argo win best international bar categories at 2026 Spirited Awards Shanghai’s House of Linglong is taking over Eaton HK for a two-night drag showcase The Hong Kong passport takes 14th place among the world’s most powerful passports

Iconic Japanese lifestyle brand Loft is officially making its grand return to Hong Kong! After a 15-year absence from the city, the retail giant is set to open a year-long pop-up at MOKO in Mong Kok towards the end of August. A little bit of background for those of you who don’t know: Loft first came about in 1987 as an annex concept to Shibuya’s Seibu Department Store, pioneering a retail concept that prioritised curation over simple shelf-stocking. They quickly became a household name for their huge selection of everyday goods, ranging from sleek homeware to design-led oddities. That said, they’re easily most beloved by stationery enthusiasts, who routinely lose their minds over the endless array of cute paper goods and quirky items that nobody actually needs but will inevitably buy. The formula clearly worked, given that they now operate 183 stores across Japan. Photograph: ShutterstockLoft As for Hong Kong, Loft first debuted 36 years ago, opening at Pacific Place in 1990 before eventually closing its doors in 2011. This time around, Yachi Group – the same folks responsible for bringing 3Coins to the city – is giving Loft another run, taking over a first-floor space at MOKO for a full 12 months. The new store will feature five core categories. Cosmetics and skincare fans can look forward to Japanese beauty products, body care, and men’s grooming picks. Home decor enthusiasts will find table settings, diffusers, and incense sticks, while foodies can stock up on Japanese snacks, matcha, craft beers, and specialty seasonings. Stationery lovers are naturally well catered for with various paper goods, stickers, and notebooks, alongside seasonal gift items, IP character merchandise, blind boxes, and locally themed items. Photograph: Courtesy YaichiJapanese lifestyle retailer Loft set to open in Hong Kong While currently slated as a year-long pop-up, the group has hinted that a permanent stay could be on the cards if local shoppers turn out in force. Bright yellow hoardings have already gone up at the mall to mark the spot, complete with a QR code linking straight to the brand’s new Instagram page (@loft_hk_official) for those who wish to keep up with the latest updates. More details will trickle out as launch day gets closer, so stay tuned. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Chiu Tang and Kinsman team up for an exclusive two-night dining experience Bar Leone and Argo win best international bar categories at 2026 Spirited Awards Shanghai’s House of Linglong is taking over Eaton HK for a two-night drag showcase

The eyes of Asia’s drinks sphere is focused on us for the upcoming Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards in Macau, but before that list gets announced, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) released the winners of its 20th annual Spirited Awards on July 24 – and two of our top-notch bars represented Hong Kong on the list. Bar Leone – currently the World’s Best Bar according to 50 Best – took home the award for Best International Bar Team, which absolutely tracks since Lorenzo Antinori has always been meticulous about hospitality and having his staff curate a warm, cosy atmosphere that makes visitors feel welcome into the bar and its neighbourhood. Photograph: Courtesy Bar LeoneBar Leone The other Hong Kong winner is Argo at the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, which was crowned with the title of Best International Hotel Bar. TOTCF’s 2026 conference theme is “Spark” and Argo’s innovative menus and fun, unpretentious atmosphere (despite being housed in one of Hong Kong’s top hotels) has always ignited ideas and creativity within the drinks industry.  The big winner of the Spirited Awards this year is Singapore’s Fura, which took Best International Restaurant Bar and also the World’s Best Bar accolade. Other notable wins include Satan’s Whiskers in London receiving the Best International Cocktail Bar; Bar Snack in New York winning Best U.S. Cocktail Bar; and Yayo Nava from Mexico City’s Bar Mauro being crowned International Bartender of the Year. Check out the full list of 2026 Spirited Awards winners on TOTCF’s website. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Shanghai’s House of Linglong is taking over Eaton HK for a two-night drag showcase The Hong Kong passport takes 14th place among the world’s most powerful passports Two Hong Kong creatives launch artistic homeware themed after food and collective memories

One of mainland China’s most influential drag collectives is packing their trunks, zipping up the garment bags, and heading to our city. House of Linglong is set to take over the Music Room at Eaton HK on August 14 and 15, bringing an unapologetic mix of avant-garde performance, high fashion, and pure camp glamour. Founded in Shanghai back in 2022 by drag artist and creative director Kudos (Lian Longqing), House of Linglong is both a creative powerhouse and chosen family that champions queer artistry through drag, fashion, music, and performance. They’ve built a massive following in mainland China’s underground creative scene, touring major cities like Beijing, Chongqing, and Xi’an with theatrical productions, bold visuals, and culturally inspired storytelling. Photograph: Courtesy House of LinglongKudos (left), Woowu (right) The upcoming Hong Kong residency features a stacked bill led by Kudos, who boasts over 1.5 million followers across Chinese social media platforms and runs her own makeup brand, Sugarock. She will be joined by Woowu, who previously represented mainland China on the first season of Queen of the Universe, a drag singing competition series created by the producers of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Rounding out the roster are performers Yihao, Chyna, Osmanthus, and Missgengdiva, with DJs Dai Nasty and Floating keeping things moving behind the decks. If this sounds like your idea of a great night out, tickets are now available via Eventbrite. Early-bird entry will set you back $300, while general admission sits at $360 (both inclusive of one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink). Those looking to catch both nights can pick up a two-night bundle for $580, which comes with two drinks. Doors open at 9pm on both evenings, so arrive early, grab a spot near the front, and prepare to have your wig thoroughly snatched. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The Hong Kong passport takes 14th place among the world’s most powerful passports Two Hong Kong creatives launch artistic homeware themed after food and collective memories The tropical cyclone over the Philippines might escalate into a Hong Kong typhoon over the weekend

The Henley Passport Index has recently released its annual ranking of the world’s most powerful passports, examining how many global destinations a passport holder can access without applying for a visa. Hong Kong ranks at No. 14 in the 2026 list, which is a really good place to be among 199 passports. Hong Kong passport holders can enter 174 territories visa-free, which is five more destinations than when the ranking came out last year. As a result, we have also risen slightly in the list, moving up three places from 2025’s No. 17 position. The top three most powerful passports remain unchanged, with Singapore claiming the top spot, able to enter 192 territories without a visa; followed by Japan and South Korea at 188 territories. Interestingly, the UAE has made a leap from last year’s eighth place to tie with Japan and Korea at second place on the list. The rest of Henley’s passport index until the 10th rank are mainly Europe-dominant, with Asia coming back into the picture where Malaysia ties for rank No. 7, followed by Hong Kong at No. 14, and Macau at No. 31.  See below for the top 10 most powerful passports this year, and visit the Henley & Partners website for the full list. The 10 most powerful passports in the world: Singapore (192 visa-free destinations) Japan; South Korea; United Arab Emirates (188) Sweden (187) Belgium; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Luxembourg; Netherlands; Norway; Spain (186) Austria; Greece; Malta; Portugal; Switzerland (185) Hungary; Poland; United Kingdom (184) Australia; Canada; Czechia; Latvia; Malaysia; New Zealand; Slovakia; Slovenia (183) Croatia; Estonia (182) Liechtenstein; Lithuania (181) Iceland; United States (180) Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Two Hong Kong creatives launch artistic homeware themed after food and collective memories The tropical cyclone over the Philippines might escalate into a Hong Kong typhoon over the weekend The Mahou Dokoro Harry Potter pop-up is returning to Causeway Bay

In a hyper-digital world of Taobao junk that falls apart after five uses and viral dropships that you’ll forget about in a heartbeat, consumers have been shifting back to a more analogue lifestyle, prioritising purchases with more resonance and value that are built to last. Frankenchang, a brand founded by two creatives, has just launched their first batch of products that will strike a chord with Hongkongers everywhere. Ernest Chang, the artist and gallerist behind The Stallery, and co-founder Jacqueline Frank, have drawn inspiration from what binds all Hongkongers together – a shared love for good food. “We move food memories out of the kitchen, onto the coffee table, so the objects you live with everyday hold the same warmth as a meal made for you,” Frank expands. Photograph: Courtesy FrankenchangFrankenchang pastel de nata ashtray And what a lovely coffee table that will be! Frankenchang’s Collection 01 includes an ashtray shaped like a pastel de nata, a chopsticks rest that’s a dumpling, a coaster set that looks like slices of lotus root, a set of cups inspired by bamboo that can be stacked, and a bottle stopper in the shape of a chicken foot. These are all immediately recognisable to those who have grown up around a Hong Kong dining table; practical, functional products that carry a strong cultural heart and more than a touch of whimsy. Photograph: Courtesy FrankenchangFrankenchang stacking bamboo cups (L) and lotus root coasters (R) If you’re anything like us and like the mid-century modern aesthetic, Wong Kar-wai movies, old Shanghai vibes, and being completely unapologetic about where you come from, then you’ll probably also fall in love with the Frankenchang brand. Their whole philosophy is making luxury products that can withstand the test of time and be handed down in families like the homeware of old, which is why they’ve chosen to work with porcelain in their debut line since this is a Chinese heirloom material. All items are handcrafted in a small workshop in Jingdezhen, a town that definitely knows their porcelain as they used to house the imperial kilns which fired pieces exclusively made for use in the Chinese palace and court. Photograph: Courtesy FrankenchangFrankenchang chicken foot bottle stopper Because of this small-scale production, all batches are kept to very limited quantities and once a run is sold out they will not be made again. So if you want to stick a chicken foot into your wine bottles, then it’s best to act fast before they sell out forever. Pieces are priced between $1,350 to $2,600 (some come as sets while others are single items) and pre-orders are currently open for Collection 01 which fully launches on August 19, with free international shipping. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The tropical cyclone over the Philippines might escalate into a Hong Kong typhoon over the weekend The Mahou Dokoro Harry Potter pop-up is returning to Causeway Bay A new Chiikawa Light Rail train is hitting the tracks in Hong Kong this summer

It looks like us muggles are in for a magical summer – the Mahou Dokoro Harry Potter pop-up is officially back in Hong Kong! Returning to Hysan Place from July 24 to August 25, the time-limited store is bringing in a fresh batch of spellbinding merch inspired by both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Photograph: Courtesy Mahou DokoroHarry Potter Hong Kong pop-up New arrivals on the clothing racks include an Expecto Patronum tee design that glows in the dark ($450), a colour-changing Marauder’s Map tee ($450), a Mandrake Root tee ($450), and a Honeydukes-themed tee ($500). To complete the look, you’ll also find house-themed pouches ($260) and teddy bear plushies ($180) to fly your Hogwarts colours, though keep in mind the bear and pouch are sold separately. Photograph: Courtesy Mahou DokoroHarry Potter Hong Kong pop-up Fashion and accessory lovers can also pick up candy-inspired pieces, including a Honeydukes candy-shaped shoulder bag ($420) and a matching pouch ($230). Meanwhile, fans of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans can take their pick from a range of cute jewellery such as a necklace set ($320), a bracelet ($250), or an earring set ($230). There’s also a little extra if you pop in before July 31. Anyone spending $300 or more in a single transaction will receive a limited-edition ‘Happee Birthdae Harry’ cake pouch. It’s only available as a gift with purchase, so grab one before they run out. Mahour Dokoro Harry Potter pop-upWhen: July 24 to August 25, 2026 (11am-9pm)Where: Shop B113 & 115, B1/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: A new Chiikawa Light Rail train is hitting the tracks in Hong Kong this summer Hong Kong Comic Con confirms dates for second edition in May 2027 Chiikawa Ramen Buta will close its Hong Kong location in September

Can’t wait for the Chiikawa Artiverse exhibition in August? Then make your way up to the New Territories! The MTR Corporation has teamed up with AllRightsReserved to roll out the ‘Next Station: Chiikawa Artiverse’ campaign across the city’s transit network, transforming your weekend journeys into an utterly adorable experience. Photograph: Courtesy MTRChiikawa 輕鐵2026 Embarking on its first journey on July 25, a fantasy-themed Light Rail will take to the tracks covered in artworks of Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi. Passengers will also find handrail straps shaped like the characters’ cute faces, along with hidden glow-in-the-dark stars on the exterior. Departing four times a day on Saturdays and Sundays until August 30, the train runs non-stop from Siu Hong to either Tuen Mun or Yuen Long. Passengers on the Tuen Mun route will get a 10-minute photo break at the Town Centre Stop along the way, while the Yuen Long trip saves its photo session for the final stop at Platform 1. To board the train, travellers must purchase an $88 Light Rail Travel Pass package at Platform 4 of Siu Hong Stop, sold on a first-come, first-served basis from 10am on operational days. The pass covers one designated trip on the themed journey and unlimited same-day travel across the rest of the Light Rail network. Each package also comes with a few collectable extras, including an envelope, a blind-box pouch, and a $50 coupon for the physical MTR e-Store. Photograph: Courtesy MTRChiikawa 落馬洲站 If you can’t make the trip out to the New Territories, themed installations have already popped up at Admiralty and Lok Ma Chau stations, with mosaic tile decorations set to appear at more locations over the coming weeks. Commuters using the MTR Mobile app can also enter a lucky draw to win tickets to the Chiikawa Artiverse exhibition at K11 Musea. Members who log 10 domestic rides of $10 or more on the main MTR network (except for the Airport Express) by July 30 will be able to collect points and stand a chance to win one of 300 general admission tickets. Best of luck! Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong Comic Con confirms dates for second edition in May 2027 Chiikawa Ramen Buta will close its Hong Kong location in September Designer Yuko Yamaguchi brings long-haired Hello Kitty Dress Up series to Hong Kong on her final visit

It’s no secret that we love this city and all it has to offer, and we’re always proud to call ourselves Hongkongers. But if there’s one gripe we have – a bone to pick, if you will – it is that Hong Kong is not exactly the most pet-friendly place in the world. We have the bustling city, the teeming nightlife, the lush greenery, and so much amazing food, but when we look at other cities all around the world, Hong Kong pet owners can’t help but think about how we can’t simply stroll into malls or places of entertainment with our furry companions, or even ride on the subway with them. Luckily, things are taking a turn for the better, with the Hong Kong government recently announcing the introduction of a special permit that will allow selected restaurants to welcome dogs indoors. Targeted for approval by mid-2026, between 500 and 1,000 permits will be issued to restaurants which apply for them. This means that we could see a sudden influx of restaurants that actively embrace patrons dining alongside their pets within this year – an absolute dream for dog owners who are tired of being relegated to outdoor seating with no air conditioning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by April & Artie (@aprilandartie) To address some of these queries: restaurants granted the pet permit will be allowed to determine the extent of their participation, and the policy does indeed cover air-conditioned areas in restaurants. Pet owners will be required to keep their dogs under control at all times with a leash no longer than 1.5 metres or secured to a fixed object. Dogs will also not be allowed on dining tables or to come in contact with food and tableware. It remains to be seen whether there’s a limit on how many dogs each pet owner can bring into eateries, and secretary for environment and ecology Tse Chin-wan also said on February 10 that dog diapers will most likely not be made mandatory as it may cause discomfort to dogs who don’t need them. High-risk venues like hotpot or barbecue restaurants will not be granted pet permits.  When asked which restaurants they would want to see welcome their pets in the near future, Hong Kong’s pet owners are not picky – they’re just happy that the option to do so is happening in the first place. Stephanie Lown, who works at the SPCA Hong Kong and is the founder of the outdoor adventure group Exploring Dogs, is just “thrilled to have any options open up to dogs at all!” Her rescue dog Lola is an energetic, active adventurer of the great outdoors, so Lown can think of “nothing better than ending a hike with your dog and being able to stop at a café or restaurant for a nice refreshing drink or meal”. Cho would love to see Korean restaurants and dim sum places adopt a pet-friendly attitude, while Dorathy wants to see their dining options expand to include cha chaan tengs or fast-food joints. We don’t know if Maxim’s Palace in City Hall or your local Café de Coral will soon embrace hungry pups, but it sure is a nice thought! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Life in Hong Kong with Lola (@livin_da_vida_lola) Promoting pet-friendly eateries is a great step in making Hong Kong a more inclusive city for animals. Considering that the local pet economy is a multi-billion dollar market driven by mostly younger citizens with the financial means and the inclination to provide the best for their animals, there is plenty more that can be done to make people happy while tapping into this sizable income pocket. Hong Kong is already trying out having pets on public transport, with select bus routes accommodating animals on certain days of the week and the Light Rail in the New Territories allowing pets on the weekends. Pet owners are now eagerly waiting for expanded transportation options, as well as regulations that don’t require their pets being placed in carriers – it’s easy to put a Pomeranian in a bag, but try doing the same with a Bernese Mountain Dog.  “Right now, I am always on foot or taking cabs everywhere whenever I travel with my dogs,” Cho muses. “I hope one day dogs will be allowed on either the MTR or on buses.” Dorathy concurs, saying that as a medium-sized dog owner, “it would be fantastic to bring my dogs on the MTR and buses”, adding that she wouldn’t mind putting her Samoyeds in diapers to ensure hygiene if needed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Exploring Dogs (@exploringdogs) Cho also adds that there are not enough dog-friendly parks and beaches in Hong Kong – dogs are currently banned from most parks and public beaches, with only a handful open to dog owners and their pups. “We usually end up on unregulated beaches that are filled with plastic, broken glass, and trash, which is so dangerous for dogs. Hopefully we’ll see more dog-friendly places so our fur babies can enjoy nature too.” Lown looks even further ahead, hoping to see more housing options open up to pet owners as well. “The last couple of years have definitely shown promise with ferries, KMB buses, and the MTR welcoming dogs for SPCA’s Dogathon, but we still have some ways to go. Other countries have had these pet-inclusive policies for years, if not decades!” Lastly, she hopes that with this recent wave of pet-friendly sentiment, the Hong Kong government might review the city’s animal cruelty laws, which she laments have not been updated in 90 years. “It would be good to see the government finally implementing a ‘Duty of Care’ policy which would help improve animal rights and welfare in Hong Kong.” Hear, hear! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong’s recent food poisoning outbreak linked to raw oysters Calbee opens a limited-time Chinese New Year pop-up at Citygate Outlets for snack fans Macau is the most active region in Asia when it comes to love and sex, according to Time Out

Ever wanted to go back in time and shop at a supermarket from the 1950s? It might come off as a rather specific fancy, but for those who harbour such a dream, you’re in luck: Hong Kong’s homegrown supermarket giant, Wellcome, is hopping aboard the nostalgia train with the launch of a retro-inspired concept store in Yau Ma Tei. Designed as a tribute to Hong Kong’s extensive retail history, Wellcome has repurposed its Prosperous Garden branch in Yau Ma Tei as an exhibition destination to celebrate the supermarket’s 80-year-plus legacy. Founded in 1945, Wellcome has been a constant in the lives of local families, serving the needs of generations of Hongkongers. As the city evolved, Wellcome evolved with it, but this branded concept shop preserves a slice of the supermarket as shoppers might have seen it back in the 1950s to the 1970s, complete with vintage character, photogenic interiors, and time-limited collectibles. Each aisle, stocked with a curated selection of products, doubles as a fetching backdrop oozing charm and colour, so no doubt this location will quickly become a popular attraction! Photograph: Courtesy Wellcome Snap photos of the LED-emblazoned shopfront, which takes its cues from Hong Kong’s famous urban landscape of neon lights; discover classic interior design elements such as the vintage silver-and-green turnstile, a sea of red plastic lamps popularised in wet markets, and patterned floor tiles; and admire nostalgic grocery setups and heritage exhibits that showcase the allure and shared memories of Hong Kong’s past.  As part of the concept store activation, Wellcome is also launching special deals and brand collaborations to commemorate the occasion, including a reusable Wellcome Retro Eco Bag for $28 with a single transaction of $100 – it’s reminiscent of Wellcome’s old-school red-and-yellow carrier, making for a keepsake that’s both practical and sentimental. Additionally, Wellcome will team up with tech equipment manufacturer Smeg to offer a limited-edition Lifebox ($88 with any purchase of $100 or more) from February 6 to 19, and Hong Kong’s own lifestyle brand G.O.D. for a Lunar New Year-themed game set ($68). Photograph: Courtesy Wellcome Wait, there’s more! While the weather’s still below 20 degrees Celsius, pop over to Prosperous Garden to sip warmed Vitasoy soy milk from glass bottles – a Hong Kong childhood memory that many will dwell on fondly. You can also take your chance at a Lee Kum Kee capsule machine from now until March 31, which will dispense a surprise miniature magnet depicting one of the condiment maker’s signature products. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Harbourside Swing Fest returns for its 2026 edition in late April Shiro brings its signature ‘crystal sushi’ to its second location in Tai Kwun Everything you need to know about Japan’s official cherry blossom forecast 2026

Love dim sum and surreal imagery? You’re in good company. Hong Kong street artist Lousy, best known for his bold graphics resembling glyphs and pictorial shapes, is collaborating with viral food photographer-artist David Leung – also known as Davidgoodtime, who specialises in capturing reflected food images highlighting pareidolia – for a dynamic exhibition about dim sum and the ritual of yum cha.  Hosted at JPS Gallery, ‘Double Umami’ is an artistic ode to Hong Kong cuisine, reimagined through the unique lenses of two distinctly different creators, who shaped their love of dumplings and morning teas into a visual celebration of Hong Kong’s DNA.  Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery In the exhibition space, visitors will encounter a customised dim sum cart installation, decorated by David and Lousy, in addition to photographs depicting beloved dim sum dishes in Leung’s signature mirrored style, mounted inside bamboo steamers crafted by master artisan Lui Ming of Ming Sang Steel Bamboo Receptacle. ‘Crab’s Kid Burn & Sell’ shows siu mai in a different light, appearing almost like the face of a crustacean, while ‘Char Siu Cat No. 2’ draws parallels between char siu bao and felines. We also particularly liked the birdcage installation which houses real emu eggs and plastic cards from dim sum carts inscribed with the Chinese onomatopoeia for bird chirps. Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery Branching out from photography onto canvas and installation work for the first time, Leung is also presenting the ‘Sauce’ series, applying the same mirrored techniques to create patterns reminiscent of Rorschach inkblot tests. Inspired by traditional Fu Lu Shou statues representing fortune, prosperity, and longevity, Leung uses foldable boards loaded with pigment to ‘find’ faces hidden in the paint. In contrast, Lousy – rather than focusing on the food aspect of dim sum – aims to capture the feeling of community and chaos experienced during a yum cha get-together. He paints and draws on top of old dim sum order sheets to give graphic form to the hustle and bustle of a Cantonese restaurant, depicting figures sat at a table, abstract interpretations of food, hands pouring tea, and more. Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery David and Lousy’s collaborations don’t end there. Lousy has teamed up with Wendy’s Wok World for a ‘Special Collab Soy Sauce’. 22 bottles of Tiu Yuen small-batch soy sauce are covered in custom packaging artwork created by Lousy. Meanwhile, Leung worked with chef May Chow of Little Bao to wrap 50 bottles of her handcrafted Fook Jiang chilli sauce in original ‘chilli sauce’ Rorschach artworks, bringing the food-focused project one degree closer to the art of Chinese cooking. ‘Double Umami’ is on exhibition at JPS Gallery from January 30 to March 7. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Art book publisher Taschen is having a huge sale in early February Starbucks opens at the Hong Kong Palace Museum with Hong Kong’s first Chinese calligraphy shop sign and exclusive products Fujifilm releases a camcorder-instant camera hybrid in the instax mini Evo Cinema

Listen, we love a good beat drop or screaming chart-toppers like any other nighttime reveller in the city, but in this era of EDM and throwback pop-heavy party scene, it would be nice to enjoy something authentic that sounds different for once. Well, it looks like we got our wish, because a vinyl record-based bar has just announced they’ll be opening in Lan Kwai Fong. The brainchild of longtime friends Brian and Ah Hei, the 8055 vinyl bar has had previous iterations based in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, which grew in popularity to welcome even local celebrities and creatives like Eason Chan and Tyson Yoshi as patrons. The pandemic eventually saw the shuttering of the bar – but not for good. Photograph: Courtesy 8055 Building on their seven-year brand identity as a hotspot for authentic vinyl DJ-ing, graffiti art, and Japanese chill drinking culture, 8055 is now back in the game with a new home in the heart of Hong Kong’s nightlife district, Lan Kwai Fong. Expect the warmth and pops of analogue sound being played all night, with a focus on Japanese hip-hop, jazz, funk, and city pop – a sound that’s pretty unique within our nightlife scene and, frankly, a breath of fresh air from all the other clubs around. To pair with the music, 8055’s drinks turn the focus on premium Japanese whiskies and umeshu plum wine. Their signature tipple is an elegant, simple umeshu soda, but you can also truly do things the Japanese way by leaving the choice up to the bartender, omakase-style. Staying true to the brand’s history, 8055’s new venue will also allow guests to freely draw, scribble, and unleash creativity all over the walls with graffiti markers, so if you’ve ever left your mark in bars like Not2Sweet, you’ll want to do the same here as well. Photograph: Courtesy 8055 Check things out at 8055’s grand opening party on January 24, when they’ll be hosting a 10-hour DJ relay from 8pm onwards. The lineup will include Andrew Bull, better known as DJ El Toro or the ‘Father of Hong Kong DJs’, who is famous for initiating the city’s first disco in The Peninsula hotel as well as the iconic Canton Disco. Sounds like a party and a half! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Kodak Apparel opens a time-limited concept store in Hong Kong New brasserie Chouchou brings French comfort food to an elevated setting in Wan Chai Sai Ying Pun’s historic steakhouse Sammy’s Kitchen announces closure this month

The popular Japanese mascot series Namagaki is taking over Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong with a themed installation! Since Namagaki characters began popping up inside claw machines and arcades across town, so many hearts have been captured by their simple yet lovable designs and adorably blank expressions. The Namagaki Festival features a series of installations and exhibits for fans to take pictures with, as well as a charming merch pop-up with exclusive items for sale. Photograph: Courtesy Yell / Festival Walk At the centre of the installation is a four-metre-tall giant oyster can, where Namagaki characters spill out alongside rainbow-coloured sweets. Right next door is the pastel-coloured Namagaki Washoku House, where cute oyster characters act as chef and waiter at this makeshift traditional Japanese eatery. See if you can spot the pink pumpkins dotted around the space – it’s the installation’s discreet nod to the upcoming spooky season.  Beyond photo ops, fans will definitely delight in browsing through the themed pop-up store housing over 100 exclusive Namagaki products, including 80 first launches in Hong Kong that span everything from stationery to t-shirts and tote bags. Don’t forget to stop by the Namagaki claw machine and the collectible trading card capsule machine for an adorable surprise!  Photograph: Courtesy Festival Walk In the spirit of Halloween, Festival Walk is inviting visitors to trick or treat around designated stores in the mall. Exclusive to My Festival members, take part in this seasonal activity by purchasing a $1,000 gift card to receive a limited-edition Baby Namagaki birthstone bag charm and candy can clutch – where you can store your hard-earned sweets.  Namagaki Festival will be at Festival Walk from October 24 to November 13. See footage of the Namagaki Festival pop-up here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: 18 hotels in Hong Kong and Macau have been awarded 2025 Michelin Keys OneRepublic is coming back to Hong Kong in February 2026 The best Halloween parties in Hong Kong this year

Remember when we all saw a giant Doraemon sitting unexpectedly at the dockyard along Tsing Yi last week? Well, the news is out and it’s not that a robotic cat is invading Hong Kong – instead, a fleet of floating inflatable sculptures will be making their appearance along Victoria Harbour next month. AllRightsReserved, the local creative brand behind last year’s thousands of panda sculptures and the recent Chiikawa exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui, is putting on the Water Parade, where a set of four giant, floating inflatable figures will be making a debut at sea. In the lineup is Doraemon, perched on his favourite dorayaki snack; Elmo from the Kaws & Sesame Street collaboration; McDonalds’ purple blob-shaped mascot Grimace; and Labubu, the globally viral Nordic-inspired monster by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. After a trial run in the waters of Tsing Yi on September 20, these four figures will be set afloat along Victoria Harbour on October 25, and will be shown in brand-new poses. Visit them just off of Tamar Park in Admiralty and snap plenty of photos, because when else are you going to see such universally recognised and different cartoon characters all sitting together? Photograph: Courtesy AllRightsReserved On November 1, the floating sculptures will be taken on a water parade between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, sailing along both sides of Victoria Harbour, before departing from our waters on the evening of the same day. For the entire duration of the sculpture display, there will also be a Water Parade Market at the promenade near Tamar Park. Aside from pop-up stores, F&B stands, game booths, photo spots, and a capsule toy zone, the market will also feature other internationally popular IPs from KPop Demon Hunters, season five of Stranger Things, Squid Games, Snoopy and the Peanuts, as well as Hong Kong’s classic TOLO Founding Duck, which is marking its 40th anniversary. Early-bird tickets to the festivities will be available at $50 for adults, starting at 12 noon on September 26. Walk-in tickets can also be purchased on site, subject to availability. All tickets include a $20 merchandise voucher, which can be redeemed cumulatively on purchases of every $200. Attendees can also buy a viewing platform special ticket at $150, which includes entry to the Water Parade Market. See some footage of the Water Parade here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The best Oktoberfest events happening in Hong Kong this year The best things to do in Hong Kong this week (September 22-28) Super Typhoon Ragasa: Hong Kong braces for the strongest typhoon of the year as it approaches the city

Do you remember an exhibition last summer that displayed miniature scenes of the Central and Western districts in Pacific Place? In case you missed it, the Joyful Miniature Association (JMA) is back once again, this time with more incredibly detailed dioramas of life in Hong Kong, including seven brand-new miniatures that have never been seen before. The 24 art pieces will highlight some of Hong Kong’s famous landmarks, cultural customs, and unique lifestyles. Peek into painstaking recreations of Sunday dim sum at Maxim’s Palace in City Hall, chaotic nighttime revelry along Lan Kwai Fong, the customs of worship and pin wheel buying at Man Mo Temple and Wong Tai Sin Temple, a moving model of the fifth generation of the Peak Tram funicular railway, views of Victoria Harbour complete with boats sailing and fireworks, and more.  Photograph: Courtesy Joyful Miniature Association The new miniatures at this show include the Kai Tak Sports Park, the legendary old Kowloon Walled City, night scenes of Temple Street, horse racing, aquatic animals on sale at one of the many shops along Goldfish Street, the cable car at Ngong Ping 360, and Hong Kong’s transhipment history at the Insta-famous Western District Pier. The JMA brings together over 100 Hong Kong artists who collectively integrate the traditionally European craft of miniatures with our distinctly local culture using cutting-edge technology. If there’s one way to stroll through the most iconic sights and experiences of Hong Kong in just a few steps, this exhibition is definitely it. ‘Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass Miniature Exhibition’ will be on display at The Peak Tower from April 25 to June 23 – JMA’s longest exhibition in the city. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong ranked as the 10th most walkable city in the world; 1st in East Asia Hong Kong Airport Express proposes fare increase of 9.4 percent The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is hosting a carnival this Sunday

We sit down with artist and designer Joe Foti before his new exhibition in Hong Kong

March in Hong Kong is not complete without a trip to the Wanchai Convention Centre to spend a day or two at Art Basel. This year’s fair gathers 240 global galleries, with large-scale installations, paintings, sculptures, digital art, live performances, video works, and more to see!

From a world without colours to her love of big city metros, we caught up with British artist Monster Chetwynd for a round of quick-fire questions while she's in town for her new installation at Pacific Place!